Mixing/administration syringe devices, protective packaging and methods of protecting syringe handlers

ABSTRACT

Medicant mixing/administration systems are provided that can include: a medicant vial; a syringe assembly comprising a barrel and a piston; a protective material supporting the syringe assembly and medicant vial; and a member within the system, the member separating the piston of the syringe assembly from the medicant vial. Systems are provided that can include: a syringe assembly comprising a barrel and a piston; having a forward end and an opposing back end; a protective material supporting the syringe assembly; and a needle housing coupled to the protective material. Medicant mixing/administration methods are also provided that can include, within a package, sufficiently clearing a restraining member from between a medicant vial and syringe plunger to pierce the medicant vial with a piercing structure coupled to the syringe plunger, the piercing providing medicant from the vial to the syringe assembly. Additional methods can include, upon opening a package containing a syringe assembly, extending a needle housing from the package.

RELATED PATENT DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/183,955 filed Jul. 15, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/242,121 filed Sep. 30, 2008, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,002,737 which issued Aug. 23, 2011, which claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §119 to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/977,557,which was filed Oct. 4, 2007; and to Provisional Patent Application No.60/988,509, which was filed Nov. 16, 2007; and to Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/082,870, which was filed Jul. 23, 2008, the entiretyof each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention encompasses syringe devices, mixing administrationsystems, protective packaging for syringe devices and components, andmethods of protecting syringe device handlers from contents of thosedevices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Preparation of medicants or medication agents and administration of suchagents to an individual often involves mixing of two or more componentsto form the agent and subsequent delivery of the mixed medicant to theindividual. The mixing of components can typically involve extraction ofone component in fluid form from a vial or other container and transferof such components into a separate container which holds anothercomponent. In particular instances, only a portion of the contents of avial or container is to be utilized for preparing a mixture prior toadministering. Accordingly, the extraction and transfer can involveprecise measuring of one or more components to be mixed.

A variety of problems may occur when utilizing conventional methodologyand devices for mixing and/or administering medicants to an individual.For example, where multiple components are to be mixed, extraction andtransfer of one component and introduction of such component intoanother component can potentially expose one or both of the componentsto a non-sterile or contaminated environment leading to contamination ofthe resulting medicant. Additionally, incomplete extraction or impropermeasurement of one or more components can result in preparation and/oradministration of an improper dosage. In particular instances, once amedicant is mixed the mixture must again be extracted from a vial orcontainer into a syringe prior to administering to an individual. Suchadditional transfer can lead to additional opportunities forcontamination, incomplete extraction of contents and/or inaccuratemeasuring of a component or the resulting medicant.

In practice, there is limited availability of sterile environments formaintaining sterility during transfer and/or mixing of components, orpreparation and transfer of medicants. Additional errors can result fromuse of the wrong diluent to reconstitute the medication. Preparation ofmedicants utilizing multiple components can be tedious and timeconsuming due to factors such as the need to access individuallypackaged items such as separate vials and/or transfer devices, or tomeasure one or more components to be combined to form the medicant.

Another factor to be considered when preparing medicants foradministration is the nature of the medicants contained in the deviceand/or device components. For example, agents contained within devicecomponents may be potentially harmful to handlers upon exposure. Suchpotentially harmful agents include but are not limited to allergens,teratogens, endocrine-disruptors, carcinogens, or otherwise toxic orpotentially toxic materials. Many conventional medicant administrationdevices potentially expose the handler of such device to the medicantsbeing administered or prepared during the preparation and administrationprocesses.

It would be desirable to develop alternative methodology and systems forpreparation and administration of medicants and systems to protecthandlers from exposure to contents of medicant device components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention includes a syringe devicemixing/administration system including a syringe barrel having a forwardend and an opposing back end. The system further includes a syringepiston insertable into the back end of the syringe barrel and a fluidbag reversibly attached to the forward end of the syringe barrel. Aprotective film material encases the syringe barrel, the syringe pistonand the fluid bag.

In one aspect the invention includes a syringe device having a syringebarrel with an internal chamber and a syringe piston having a first endinsertable into the internal chamber, a second end and a stem extendingfrom the first end to a container housing. The container housing extendsto the second end of the syringe piston and is configured to house acontainer. At least a portion of the container housing is insertablewithin the internal chamber of the syringe barrel. A fluid passagewayextends from the container housing through the piston stem and throughthe first end of the piston.

In one aspect the invention includes a method of protecting a syringehandler including providing the components of a syringe device andencasing the components in a protective film. The protective filmincludes one or more members of the group consisting of polypropylene(PP), polyvinyls, aluminum foil, aluminum oxide coated nylon, biaxiallyoriented (biax) nylon (BO nylon), biax polyethylene terephthalate(BOPET), aluminum oxide coated BOPET, polycarbonate, orientedpolypropylene (OPP), biax OPP (BOPP), high density polyethylene (HDPE),medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE),linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ethylene vinyl acetatecopolymer (EVA), metallocene, ionomer, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC),metallized PET, metallized OPP, poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) (EVOH),coex, surlyn, silicon oxide coated BOPET, and paper. The protective filmpackaging can be referred to as “active” meaning it allows manipulationof the contained device components without opening of the packaging. Inone embodiment the packaging film is loose to allow manipulation of thesyringe components relative to one another without opening or puncturingthe film.

In one aspect the invention includes a method of protecting a syringehandler including providing the components of a syringe device, encasingthe components in a protective film comprising one or more members ofthe group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyls, aluminum foil,aluminum oxide coated nylon, biaxially oriented (biax) nylon (BO nylon),biax polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), aluminum oxide coated BOPET,polycarbonate, oriented polypropylene (OPP), biax OPP (BOPP), highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), metallocene, ionomer,polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), metallized PET, metallized OPP,poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) (EVOH), coex, surlyn, silicon oxide coatedBOPET, and paper. The protective film is formed to at least partiallyconform to the shape of the components. The protective film is heatsealed to at least some of the components of the syringe device.

In one aspect the invention includes protective syringe device packagingthat includes a laminate film of material sealed to encase thecomponents of a syringe device containing a potentially harmful agentwhere the laminate film includes at least one member of the groupconsisting of polypropylene (PP), polyvinyls, aluminum foil, aluminumoxide coated nylon, biaxially oriented (biax) nylon (BO nylon), biaxpolyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), aluminum oxide coated BOPET,polycarbonate, oriented polypropylene (OPP), biax OPP (BOPP), highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), metallocene, ionomer,polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), metallized PET, metallized OPP,poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) (EVOH), coex, surlyn, silicon oxide coatedBOPET, and paper.

In accordance with example implementations, medicantmixing/administration systems are provided that can include: a medicantvial; a syringe assembly comprising a barrel and a piston; a protectivematerial supporting the syringe assembly and medicant vial; and a memberwithin the system, the member separating the piston of the syringeassembly from the medicant vial.

According to other example implementations, medicantmixing/administration systems are provided that can include: a syringeassembly comprising a barrel and a piston; having a forward end and anopposing back end; a protective material supporting the syringeassembly; and a needle housing coupled to the protective material.

A medicant mixing/administration method are also provided with themethods including, within a package, sufficiently clearing a restrainingmember from between a medicant vial and syringe plunger to pierce themedicant vial with a piercing structure coupled to the syringe plunger,the piercing providing medicant from the vial to the syringe assembly.

Additional methods can include, upon opening a package containing asyringe assembly, extending a needle housing from the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a syringe mixing/administrationsystem in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the piston portion of the syringe device illustratedin FIG. 1 in partial cross-sectional view with FIG. 2A showing anenlarged view of a piercing structure in accordance with one aspect ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a piston configuration inaccordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an additional alternative embodiment of a pistonconfiguration in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows an additional alternative embodiment of a pistonconfiguration in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows the piston configuration of FIG. 5 showing a partially cutaway view.

FIG. 7 shows a partially cut away view of an additional alternativeembodiment of a piston configuration in accordance with another aspectof the invention.

FIG. 8 shows an additional alternative embodiment of a pistonconfiguration in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows an additional alternative piston configuration inaccordance with an additional aspect of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative mixing administration systemconfiguration in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an additional embodiment of a syringemixing/administration system in accordance with another aspect of theinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a mixing administration system in accordance withanother aspect of the invention where the system includes protectivepackaging.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side view of a portion of theprotective packaging illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates an additional aspect of protective packaging inaccordance with one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative mixing/administration systemincluding protective packaging in accordance with another aspect of theinvention.

FIG. 16 illustrates another alternative mixing administration systemincluding protective packaging in accordance with another aspect of theinvention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a syringe device having protective packaging inaccordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 18A illustrates a mixing/administration assembly, with FIG. 18Billustrating the assembly in one cross section and FIG. 18C illustratingthe assembly in another cross section according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a mixing/administration assembly in oneconfiguration according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a mixing/administration assembly in anotherconfiguration related to FIG. 19 according to embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a mixing/administration assembly in anotherconfiguration related to FIGS. 19 and 20 according to embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a mixing/administration assembly in anotherconfiguration related to FIGS. 19-21 according to embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a mixing/administration assembly in anotherconfiguration related to FIGS. 19-22 according to embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 24A illustrates a mixing/administration assembly in anotherconfiguration related to FIGS. 19-23, with FIG. 24B illustrating theassembly in one cross section and FIG. 24C illustrating the assembly inanother cross section according to embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

In general aspects, the invention pertains to systems utilized formixing and/or administering medicants. Devices, components of devices,packaging, and methods of mixing and/or administration are encompassedby the invention and are depicted and described herein.

The components and methods described and exemplified herein can beutilized in conjunction with many of the devices and methods describedin U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/238,880 and 11/558,146, herebyincorporated by reference. It is to be understood that many of theconcepts of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with,or can be adapted to, other device configurations including conventionalsyringe devices and components, and those yet to be developed.

Syringe devices and other devices of the invention are not limited toparticular sizes and can vary depending upon the volume of medicant tobe mixed and/or administered. Accordingly, it is to be understood thatthe accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are notmeant to limit the devices to any particular size or volumes.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a syringe device for mixing andadministrating a medicant is illustrated in accordance with one aspectof the invention. Mixing administration system 10 includes a syringebarrel 100 having a first end 102 and an opposing second end 104. Firstend 102 can be configured to reversibly attach to a needle or othermedical equipment. Such reversible attachment can be, for example, atwist-type fitting such as a LUER-LOK® fitting, or an alternative typefitting. A cap 106 can be provided to cover an opening at first end 102or to cover a needle disposed at first end 102. Syringe barrel 100 canbe described as having an internal chamber 108.

Mixing administration system 10 further includes a piston 200 that isinsertable into the internal chamber 108 of syringe barrel 100 throughsecond end 104 as depicted in FIG. 1. In the configuration shown, piston200 includes a valve 250 and a container housing 300 having an opening310 and which houses a container such as a vial 400 as illustrated. Itis noted that housing 300 completely encases vial 400 providing anenclosed compartment with the exception of opening 310. The outerdiameter of housing 300 is such that housing 300 can be inserted withinchamber 108 of syringe 100.

Piston 200 of FIG. 1 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. Piston 200has a first end 202 and an opposing second end 204 and a stem portion206 which extends from first end 202 to container housing 300. Containerhousing 300 extends from the piston stem to the second end 204 of thepiston. Piston stem 206 has an internal fluid passage 208 which extendslongitudinally from first end 202 to piston housing 204. A piercingstructure 260 is provided in association with piston stem 206.

An enlarged view of piercing structure 260 is shown in cross-section inFIG. 2A. Piercing structure 260 can have a base portion 262, a headportion 268 having a tip 272, and a stem portion 264 extending betweenthe base and the head. A fluid channel 270 runs longitudinally centrallythrough the base portion and the stem and emerges from a side of thehead portion of the piercing device at a location other than tip 272.This configuration allows piercing of a septum to occur without coring.The shape of the piercing device allows the septum to be retained acrossthe stem portion and assists in retaining the vial from pulling back offthe device after piercing has occurred.

Fluid passage through piston stem 206 and the piercing device iscontrolled by way of valve 250, which is insertable into an opening 212in stem portion 206 across fluid passageway 208.

Vial housing 300 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 2 to illustrateinternal features. Housing 300 has internal sidewalls 301 which can betextured by, for example, providing raised features such as raised bumps302 along at least a portion of such sidewalls. Although raised features302 are shown as bumps it is to be understood that alternative raisedfeatures can be utilized such as ridges, ribs, etc. Texturing insidewalls 301 can assist in providing a tight fit between the sidewallsof housing 300 and a container or vial provided within the housing andhelp retain the positioning of such container within the housing.Further, the thickness of the housing walls can be such to provide atight fit with the container (i.e. have an inner diameter only slightlylarger than the largest outer diameter of the enclosed container), andbe thin enough to allow the housing to fit within the syringe chamber.

Housing 300 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 as comprising a two-parthousing having a seam or seal 303 between the two portions of thehousing. The relative lengths of the two portions of housing 300 is forillustrative purposes only and the positioning of seam 303 can beanywhere along the length of the housing or alternatively can be alongitudinal seam running lengthwise along the housing (not shown).Alternatively, vial housing 300 can comprise a cap and an insert portionso long as the largest outer diameter of housing 300 can insert withinthe chamber barrel.

Referring again to FIG. 1, syringe system 10 can be provided in aninitial “pre-mixed” condition where a first medicant component isprovided within syringe barrel 100 and a second medicant component isprovided within the container or vial 400 within chamber housing 300. Inits initial state, syringe system 10 is provided to have a portion ofsyringe piston 200 including piston seal 210 inserted within chamber 108and valve 250 provided in a closed state blocking fluid passage throughpiston stem 206. This configuration is depicted in FIG. 12. In thisinitial configuration vial 400 is positioned against the back of thehousing at second end 204 of the piston stem. The textured sidewalls ofhousing 300 can help retain vial 400 in its initial position.

When mixing is desired, vial 400 can be manipulated via access throughopening 310 in housing 300 and can be slid forward toward first end 202of piston 200. Such sliding can bring vial 400 into contact withpiercing structure 260 and, using sufficient force, can allow piercingof a septum of the vial by the piercing structure to establish fluidcommunication between the fluid channel 270 through piercing structure260 and the vial. Once the piercing structure is engaged across theseptum, the shape of the piercing structure along with the texturedsidewalls assists in maintaining the positioning of the vial in theforward position within the housing.

Once fluid communication has been established between the vial and thefluid passageway, valve 250 can be repositioned to an “on” position toallow fluid communication between the vial and the syringe barrel.Piston 200 can then be slid forward into syringe barrel 100 to causefluid transfer between chamber 108 and vial 400. Repeated forward andbackward sliding motion of the piston can be utilized to mix the twocomponents. Such mixing can be further assisted by, for example,shaking, agitating and/or swirling of the syringe system.

When sufficient mixing has occurred, the mixed medicant can be drawninto syringe chamber 108 by withdrawing syringe piston 200 to itsoriginal position. Valve 250 is then repositioned to the “closed”position to block fluid communication between syringe chamber 108 andvial housing 400. When administration is desired cap 106 can be removedto expose a needle or appropriate attachment fitting for injection byneedle, IV port, etc. Administration is achieved by sliding piston 200forward into syringe barrel 108.

Referring next to FIG. 3, such depicts an alternative syringe housingconfiguration relative to those discussed above with reference to FIG.2. Features identical to those above with respect to FIG. 2 are numberedidentically. Features analogous to those above with respect to FIG. 2are given the same numeric identifier with an appended “a”. New featuresare assigned new numeric identifiers. In particular instances, containeror vial 400 can be provided with a metal end or plastic cap 410. Vialhousing 300 a can be provided to have one or more openings 312 to allowaccess to vial cap 410 for removal of such cap prior to repositioning ofthe vial within the chamber housing. The shape of openings 312 is notlimited to the rectangular openings shown. Such openings can be, forexample, round, oval or other appropriate shape. Preferably, openings312 are sufficiently large to allow extraction of cap 410 from withinchamber housing 300 a.

Once cap 410 has been removed from housing 300 a, vial 400 can be slidforward onto the piercing structure via access opening 310 a. Asillustrated by FIG. 3 as compared to FIG. 2, access-opening 310/310 a isnot limited to a particular length or width so long as sufficient spaceis provided for manipulation of vial 400 within housing 300 a. Vialhousing 300 a (and subsequently discussed vial housings) can comprisetextured sidewalls as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts an additional alternative housing configuration.Analogous features relative to those discussed above are assignedanalogous numeric identifiers with an appended “b”. New features areassigned new numeric identifiers. Housing 300 b depicted in FIG. 4 canbe configured to comprise a series of spaced intertwined “fingers” ofmaterial 316. Such spaced intertwined fingers leave openings or slitsthere-between and are flexible enough to allow access to andmanipulation of vial 400 within housing 300 b. Such fingers are movablerelative to one another and can be bent slightly outward relative tohousing 300 b to allow insertion of a finger or tool device to slidevial 400 forward within housing 300 b. Further, in the case where vial400 has a plastic or metal lid, such lid can be removed between fingers316.

The shape and spacing of fingers 316 is not limited to the triangularclose-fit shown. For example, fingers 316 can be spaced and/or can bealternatively shaped such as rectangular, rounded, etc.

Additional aspects of housing configurations are represented in FIG. 5.It is noted with reference to FIG. 5 that the positioning of opening 310c is not limited to a specific location. For example, opening 310 c canbe positioned proximate the neck of vial 400 to allow vial 400 to beslid forward within housing 300 c by asserting a forward pressurebeneath the vial head or lip area above the neck. FIG. 5 additionallyillustrates a housing configuration where the internal housing fitssnugly against the sidewalls of vial 400. To allow manipulation of vial400 within the housing, one or more slits 318 can be provided lengthwisethrough the housing to allow a slight expansion of the housing. Thenumber and length of slits 318 is not limited to a particular value.

FIG. 5 additionally illustrates an extension from second end 204 ofpiston 200 c comprising a stem portion 214 and a disc portion 218. Suchextension can allow adaptation of syringe device 10 for use in a syringepump. FIG. 6 shows a partial cut away view of the housing depicted inFIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an opposing opening 310 can beprovided to assist in manipulating vial 400 within the housing. Suchmanipulation can include piercing of a septum with piercing device 260and can optionally include removal of a metal and/or plastic lid 410from vial 400.

A partial cut away view of an alternative configuration is depicted inFIG. 7. In particular instances vial or container 400 can include atwist type fitting such as a LUER-LOK® fitting 412 rather than a septum.Accordingly, housing 300 d can be configured to have a correspondingreceiving fitting 320 configured to receive twist type fitting 412.Manipulation of vial 400 within housing 300 d can therefore includeturning of vial 400 to twist fitting 412 into receiving fitting 320utilizing access openings 310 d.

Referring next to FIG. 8, such depicts an alternative housing 300 ehaving an open bottom at second end 204 of piston 200 e. As illustrated,housing 300 e can have surface texture features 302 e along internalsidewalls 301 e and can additionally optionally include expansion slits318 e as described above. Such housing can allow a vial/container to beinserted having a tight fit with the inner sidewalls 301 e of thechamber housing, yet allow such container to be repositioned by forwardpressure on the bottom of the container. Where the container has a metaland/or plastic cap, one or more access holes (not shown) can be providedalong the housing to allow extraction of such lid, or the lid can beremoved prior of insertion of the container into the housing.

Referring next to FIG. 9, such shows an alternative embodiment of asyringe housing 300 f having an expanded opening 310 f large enough forinsertion and removal of a container/vial 400. Embodiment 300 fadditionally includes a vial/container shield 324 which can be, forexample, a preferably clear plastic material such as a bag or pouch typematerial. Shield 324 can be attached to housing 300 f and is preferablyattached to completely encompass opening 310 f as well as thevial/container. Shield 324 is provided to be flexible enough to allowmanipulation of vial 400 including removal of any plastic and/or metallid from the container and insertion of container 400 into the housing300 f. Further manipulation of the container can include sliding thecontainer forward within housing 300 f to engage the piercing structureacross a septum of the container or attach the container via analternative fitting.

An alternative embodiment of a syringe mixing/administration system isdepicted in FIG. 10. Syringe device 10 can comprise, for example, asyringe barrel component 100 and a piston component 200 such as thosedescribed above with reference to FIG. 1. Housing component 300 can beas described with reference to any of the figures previously described.Alternatively, system 10 can comprise a syringe device as described inone of applicant's earlier filed applications which are incorporated byreference (see above). Syringe device 10 further includes a medicant bag500 which can be reversibly attached to syringe barrel 100. Wheresyringe barrel 100 comprises a LUER-LOK® or other twist type fitting110, bag 500 can be configured to comprise a corresponding opposingreceiving twist type fitting 502. Where fitting 110 is an alternativetype fitting, bag fitting 502 can be configured to form fit to fitting110.

Medicant bag 500 is a bag for containing fluids and can therefore bereferred to as a fluid bag. The fluid bag can be provided in aninitially empty state or having an initial fluid content.

Where fluid bag 500 is provided initially containing a medicant fluid ordiluent, syringe device 10 can be provided in an initial configurationhaving syringe piston 200 positioned such that stopper 210 is at theforward end of syringe barrel 100. Partial withdrawal of the piston canbe utilized to extract fluid from bag 500 into syringe barrel 100. Avial disposed within housing 300 can be slid forward onto piercingstructure (or alternate connecting structure) and valve 250 can berepositioned to an “on” position to establish fluid communicationbetween the syringe barrel and the enclosed vial. Mixing can occur byinsertion and withdrawal of the syringe piston into the syringe barrel.Syringe barrel 100 can then be removed from bag 500 in preparation foradministration of the mixed medicant.

Referring next to FIG. 11 a valve system 550 can be incorporated betweenfluid bag 500 and syringe barrel 100 as illustrated. Such valve systemcan be advantageous when three or more medicants or diluents are to bemixed. Valve device 550 is depicted to have a three way conduit and athree way valve 552 controlling the flow between the adjoining conduits.Alternative valve systems are contemplated.

Utilizing the illustrated valve configuration, a first diluent ormedicant component can be provided in fluid bag 500, a second componentor diluent can be provided in syringe barrel 100 and a third componentcan be provided in medicant vial 400. If additional components are to beadded, such can be achieved utilizing conduit 558 and appropriatepositioning of valve 552. As depicted, valve device 550 can compriseremovable fixtures for reversible attachment of syringe barrel 100 atoutlet 554 and syringe and fluid bag 500 at outlet 556. Mixing andadministration of the components can be achieved by appropriatepositioning of valve 552.

In one aspect, the invention pertains to packaging configurations forprotecting a syringe from becoming contaminated and/or for protectingthe administrating person or handler from exposure to the contents ofthe syringe device. Protection of the administrating personnel and otherdevice handlers becomes important when administrating or handling agentsthat may contain one or more potentially dangerous material such ascomponents that may be allergens, teratagens, endocrine-disrupters,carcinogens or otherwise toxic or potentially toxic materials. Thedescribed configurations below may be utilized with the devicesdescribed herein, with devices described in the earlier filedapplications that are incorporated by reference, or with conventionalsyringe devices and components thereof.

Referring to FIG. 12, protective packaging in accordance with theinvention will typically encase the entire mixing/administration systemincluding all components of the structure. The packaging may be loose,with excess room in its confines to allow manipulation of the device toprepare a medicant for administration such as depicted. Methodology formanipulation of the various mixing devices is analogous to thatdescribed above. As depicted in FIG. 12 a protective packaging 600 isshown to completely encase the syringe device from FIG. 1 shown in aninitial “pre-mixed” configuration. In the depicted embodiment packaging600 is relatively loose and is formed to generally mimic the overallshape of the mixing/administration system. In this case the packaging istubular and tapered to generally conform to the shape of the device.Alternatively, the shape may be rectangular, sleeve-like, pouch-like, orsack-like.

Packaging 600 forms an internal compartment 610. In preferredembodiments the packaging of the invention provides a sterile internalenvironment to protect the device and its content from contamination.Sterilization may occur during and/or after sealing of the packaging.Terminal sterilization may be performed which can provide a finalsterilization of all components (packaging and enclosed device).Terminal sterilization may involve sterilization during or after thesealing process utilizing one or more sterilization techniquesincluding, but not limited to exposure to vaporized H₂O₂, gamma rays,electron beam irradiation, chemiclave (e.g. trace formaldehyde),autoclave (e.g. at a temperature of at least 121° C. for at least 21minutes at an appropriate pressure as would be understood by one skilledin the art), etc. The method(s) utilized for terminal sterilization maydepend upon the materials of the device components, drug components, theliquids present, if any, and/or the packaging materials.

Packaging 600 is preferably provided such that mixing can be completedwithout opening or puncturing of the packaging. Perforation 602 or aremovable tear strip or other access can be provided preferably at theforward end of syringe barrel 100 to allow access to the device foradministration purpose while minimizing exposure to the device contents.Such positioning can also minimize the portion of the device which isexposed to the external atmosphere. Alternatively, a perforation line orpoint can be provided which can be torn or otherwise penetrated by theneedle cover. The packaging can then be pulled back slightly to exposethe needle cover and allow administration to be performed whileminimizing exposure to the device.

The protective packaging of the invention is not limited to anyparticular material. The packaging can be formed of a single material orfrom two or more materials. Referring to FIG. 13 packaging material 600in certain aspects can be a laminate material comprising two or morelayers of differing materials 604, 606, 608 for example. Material 600will have an outer surface 603 and an inner surface 609 which will facethe syringe device. Alternatively or additionally, packaging material600 can comprise a composite material. Various coating materials mayalso be utilized. In particular preferred aspects, the packagingcomprises a translucent or transparent plastic film of one or morematerials that allows the device to be visible for the mixing and/oradministration process. It can also be preferable that the film providesprotection from UV rays. The packaging material may also be provided toprovide evaporation protection and in particular instances to provide anO₂ barrier. Where the material utilized provides an O₂ barrier, thepackaging may be filled such that interior compartment 610 comprisesnitrogen or other inert gas. In particular embodiments, the packagingcan be multilayered to provide multiple of these protective functions.

Example materials which may be utilized for packaging include, but arenot limited to polypropylene (PP), polyvinyls, aluminum foil, aluminumoxide coated nylon, biaxially oriented (biax) nylon (BO nylon), biaxpolyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), aluminum oxide coated BOPET,polycarbonate, oriented polypropylene (OPP), biax OPP (BOPP), highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), metallocene, ionomer,polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), metallized PET, metallized OPP,poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) (EVOH), coex, surlyn, silicon oxide coatedBOPET, paper and/or coated or uncoated TYVEK® (E. I. du Pont de Nemoursand Company, Wilmington Del.). The materials utilized can depend uponthe protections desired and the method of sterilization to be utilized.

It is to be understood that the packaging concepts of the invention arenot limited to the devices specifically described herein or in theearlier filed applications. For example, the packaging of the inventioncan be used in conjunction with conventional syringes, conventionalsyringe systems, conventional mixing systems, conventional medicantdelivery components and systems, devices and components yet to bedeveloped.

Referring next to FIG. 14, the protective packaging encased syringesystem of FIG. 13 can be further packaged within a tray 700 which cancomprise a shaped cavity 702. Preferably, shaped cavity 702 is shaped tomimic the overall contours of the device in an initial configuration(pre-mixed). Such cavity shaping can assist in supporting the device andcan further stabilize the device in an initial configuration to preventsliding of the piston within the syringe barrel during shipment, storageand handling. Tray 700 can include a cover with appropriate labeling.

Additional packaging is shown in FIG. 15. Such illustrates a bag-like orpouch-like packaging configuration 600 a which encases an entire syringedevice including the barrel component 100, piston component 200 and afluid bag component 500. Packaging 600 a can be evacuated or can haveair, nitrogen or other inert gas within its confines. Preferably,packaging 600 a is flexible enough to allow mixing of medicantcomponents without exposing the device to an external environment orwithout exposing handlers to the components of the device. Once mixinghas occurred, access to the device can be gained by a tear strip orperforation 602 a.

In particular systems a vial or container containing a medicant can beprovided separately from the remaining components of the mixingadministration device but can be packaged within the same protectivepackaging as illustrated in FIG. 16. As shown, a protective packaging600 b encases a mixing administration system comprising a syringe barrel100 and a syringe piston 200 with the housing configured to receive avial through an opening 310. However, vial 400 is provided separately,but is encased within the same protective packaging 600 b. Packaging 600b can preferably be bag or pouch-like and can either be evacuated or cancontain air, nitrogen or other inert gas. Packaging can further includea tray 700 b having a cavity 702 b. Tray 700 b can further includeraised protrusions 704 b for supporting the syringe device and the vial.Protrusions 704 b proximate vial 400 preferably extend beyond themaximum diameter of vial 400 to protect the vial during handling,shipping and storage. The protruding portions are preferably shaped toconform to the shape of the vial and syringe devices to provide supportand maintain an initial position of the syringe device.

With reference to FIG. 17, another aspect of packaging in accordancewith the invention is illustrated. In the depicted embodiment packaging600 c is shown to conform to the shape or package contents. Here aconventional syringe is used to illustrate the packaging concept. Thisfully conforming packaging can also be used with the syringe mixingadministration devices discussed above and those disclosed in theearlier filed applications which are incorporated herein by reference.Packaging 600 c can preferably be flexible and tear resistant and can beheat sealed to the body of the device within. The packaging mayoptionally include one or more rigid and/or semi-rigid components 613which can support or stabilize one or more devices structures orpositioning of device features relative to another. For example, in thedepiction in FIG. 17 rigid or semi-rigid packaging 613 can be utilizedover the piston stem area to prevent piston 200 from inserting withinsyringe barrel 100. Such support features may also help minimize orprevent damage from impact that may occur, for example, during shipping.For unitary device configurations such as those discussed above, suchpackaging can preferably be flexible enough to allow for manipulation ofthe device within the packaging.

Additionally or alternatively, packaging can be attached to the deviceat one or more points 615. Such attachment can be achieved utilizing,for example, heat sealing, welding, ultrasonic methods or adhesives. Thepoints of attachment are not limited to any particular location ornumber. Preferably, the attachments stabilize the positioning of thedevice during shipping and storage and can be disconnected from thedevice by pulling away of the packaging from the device by the user formanipulation during preparation for administration.

Referring to FIGS. 18-24 additional medicant mixing/administrationsystems 900 and methods of using same are provided. Referring to FIGS.18A-C system 900 can include a protective material 910 that at leastpartially encompasses syringe assembly 902. Syringe assembly 902 canhave a barrel 904 as well as a piston 906. Material 910 can beconfigured to support syringe assembly 902.

A member 912 can be included in the system. Member 912 can separatepiston 906 from vial 908, for example. Protective material 910 can be atray configured to support both syringe assembly 902 and medicant vial908. In accordance with example implementations, member 915 can becoupled to and/or extend from the tray. Accordingly, the tray can bemolded and member 912 can be molded as part of the tray.

In accordance with example implementations, syringe piston 906 can beconfigured to couple to medicant vial 908. Accordingly syringe piston906 can include a medicant vial housing 914 extending from an end ofpiston 906. Vial housing can define a chamber configured to receivemedicant vial 908. A vial-piercing device 916 can be coupled to syringepiston 906. Device 916 can be separated from medicant vial 908 by member912.

In accordance with example medicant mixing/administration methods,sufficiently clearing restraining member 912 from between medicant vial908 and syringe piston 916 can allow for the user to pierce medicantvial 908 with piercing structure 916 coupled to the syringe piston. Thepiercing providing medicant from the vial to syringe assembly 902. Inaccordance with example implementations, this can be performed within asealed package thereby limiting contamination scenarios. Methods canalso include coupling medicant vial 908 with the package to removemedical vial 908 from piercing structure 916.

Medicant mixing/administration system 900 can also include syringeassembly 902 and a needle housing 918 coupled to protective material910. Protective material 910 can define at least two compartments 920and 922, compartment 920 receiving syringe assembly 902. Compartment 920can receive the assembly 902 in the extended unfilled configuration.Compartment 920 can also define member 912. Compartment 922 can includeneedle housing 918. These compartments can be defined as part of a tray.

The compartments can be aligned lengthwise and adjacent one another,with needle housing 918 being coupled near a terminus of compartment912. In accordance with example implementations, both compartments canbe configured to receive syringe assembly 902.

Needle housing 918 can be rotatable between at least two positions, afirst position aligned lengthwise with the length of the protectivematerial as shown in FIG. 18 and a second position substantially normalto the first position as shown in FIGS. 19-21. In accordance withexample implementations, needle housing 918 can be biased in the secondposition as shown in FIGS. 19-21. Packaging provided to encompasshousing 918 can restrain housing 918 against this bias in the firstposition. Upon removal of packaging, housing 918 can rotate to thesecond position.

Accordingly a medicant mixing/administration method can include uponopening a package containing a syringe assembly, extending the needlehousing from the package. A user can then couple a needle within theneedle housing to the syringe assembly as shown in FIGS. 19-23. Inaccordance with other example implementations, the needle within theneedle housing can be withdrawn. Assembly 902 can be coupled tocompartment 922 for eventual disposal maintaining the needle protectedwithin housing 918. Accordingly, the systems and/or methods of thepresent disclosure provide enhanced safety when handling syringes,particularly syringes having needles attached thereto as the entirepackage including the assembly engaged with the package can be discardedprotecting disposal workers from injury when handling medical waste forexample.

In accordance with additional embodiments, the systems and methods caninclude “cap technology” consistent with that described in U.S. Pat. No.8,162,899 issued Apr. 24, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/688,044 filed Nov. 28, 2012; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/688,078 filed Nov. 28, 2012; the entirety of each of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, system 900 can include atleast two caps, cap 942 received with cap recess 940 as well as cap 946coupled to assembly 902. These caps can be configured and used inaccordance with the above referenced materials, the entirety of each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein.

The mixing/administration systems of the invention can be used with easeby a variety of personnel including, for example, home care providers,battlefield or disaster relief workers, or by patients themselves withminimal risk of error or contamination. In particular embodiments,devices of the invention are provided in protective packaging thatdecreases the likelihood of exposure of personnel to the contents of thedevice. The packaging is provided to meet or exceed standards forcleanliness and sterility as documented in U.S. Pharmacopia §797.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A medicant mixing/administration systemcomprising: a syringe assembly comprising a syringe barrel and a syringepiston, wherein the piston defines a housing configured to receive amedicant vial; a medicant vial extending partially into the housing todefine a space between the medicant vial and the piston; a protectivematerial supporting the syringe assembly and medicant vial; a memberdefined by the protective material, the member extending into thehousing and between the piston and medicant vial, separating the pistonof the syringe assembly from the medicant vial when the assembly andvial are supported by the protective material; and a recess defined bythe protective material, the recess configured to receive and support anuncoupled cap.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the protective materialis a tray configured to support both the syringe assembly and themedicant vial.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the housing definesopenings through which the member extends when the assembly and vial aresupported by the protective material.
 4. The system of claim 3 whereinthe plunger defines a fluid conduit extending to the housing.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the assembly further comprises a vial-piercingmember extending from the piston and to within the housing.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5 wherein the member separates the vial from thevial-piercing member when the assembly and vial are supported by theprotective material.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein the medicant vialfurther comprises septum configured to be pierced by the vial-piercingmember.